'Dragon Ball' creator, Akira Toriyama, dies at 68

Akira Toriyama, a legendary manga author whose work profoundly influenced the genre, passed away at 68 due to an acute subdural hematoma, according to his production company, Bird Studio. Toriyama, born in Nagoya, Japan, in 1955, was renowned for creating the immensely popular manga series Dragon Ball, featuring the adventures of Son Goku, a martial artist with extraordinary abilities.

His studio mentioned that Toriyama was actively involved in creating several manga projects at the time of his death, though it's unclear if these works will be released posthumously. Dragon Ball, originating in 1984, spawned an iconic anime series, movies, and video games, shaping the landscape of role-playing games and influencing subsequent anime like Naruto and One Piece.

Beyond anime and manga, Toriyama's impact extended to unexpected areas. For instance, the poop emoji drew inspiration from a character in his earlier work, Dr. Slump. His contributions were internationally recognized, earning him accolades such as France's Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.

Toriyama's legacy is celebrated by fans worldwide, with his unique creations cherished for over four decades. His passing on March 1 was marked by a funeral service attended by family and close relatives, leaving behind a lasting imprint on the world of manga and entertainment.